A Parisian Wine Inventory

As promised, here’s the line-up of the wines we enjoyed during our week in Paris. For some it might look like a lot. For others, I can almost hear them muttering to themselves, “is that all?” For us, it was a perfect week, and the wines were a wonderful accent to it all. Cheers!

Day 1

Moet & Chandon NV blanc et rosé. Not as special as the location; delicious Champagne on Louvre courtyard. (Café Marly)

2009 Leon Beyer Alsace Pinot Noir: Never had an Alsatian pinot before. Like a few reds this week, bottle came out chilled; easier to warm a red than cool a red. Light, good acid, perfect for a light lunch. Not nearly as much fruit as an American pinot, not by a long shot, and that was just fine for us. (La Brasserie de l’Isle Saint-Louis)

500ml carafe of Cru Beaujolais, either Regnie or Morgon to split while working. Hit the spot. (Café Nemrod)

2011 Bourgogne Aligoté “Les Planchants” Noel Briday Corcelles: First time with aligoté. Medium weight, with an unexpected earthiness; handled a pseudo-chicken Ceasar salad just fine. I need to try more of this variety; want to get to know it better. (Brasserie Le Bourbon)

2004 Moet & Chandon: Smoother, softer than the basic cuvees we’d been having. A toastiness in the mouth the other Champagnes, up to this point, did not have. (Café de Flore)

2009 Chassagne-Montrachet Olivier Leflaive: Best wine of the week. Perfect hint of oak and vanilla; layers of flavor, long finish. Great way to end. (Maison du Jardin)

Etcetera: Our hotel bar had eight wines available in a Cruvinet system. On the red side, the week we were there, were the aforementioned Jaboulet, Mouton Cadet, Chateau Fourney, and a Cru Beaujolais, a Morgon I think. I was able to taste all four at various times during the week and the Ch. Fourney was the most approachable and had the most character. The Mouton Cadet was far too young and tannic, while the Rhone and the Beaujolais were eminently drinkable but without much to recommend them.

Note: All Champagne was by the glass. Just in case you’re wondering. Or counting.

C. Scott Puckett

Avail thyself of the Goisot Aligote from Beaune Imports. I’ve had several vintages, and can report it can stand toe to toe w many blancs of higher pedigree. Goisot also produces the very rare Fie Gris (look it up) which is a rarity unto itself.. Cheers! and great notes on y’alls trip!